[bvchurch]

According to vic:

http://www.mosinnagant.net/USSR/Model-1938-Carbine.asp

No known Tula produced examples dated other than 1944 are known.

And then above he cites ~50000 manufactured by Tula.

 

[bvchurch]

There is a known 1940 produced Tula M38. Just ask me where?

Oh reasons I quote only the most professional websites on subjects I don't know for certain.

Though I had searched 7.62x54r.net real quick looking for production numbers but just jumped to Vic's page.